Insider’s Guide to Winter Wander at Boar’s Head Resort

Held November 22, 2024 - January 4, 2025, this half-mile hiking path features abundant illuminated light displays sure to enthrall visitors of all ages. Guests are encouraged to come hungry as there are food vendors along the trail and The Mill Room is accepting reservations. After completing the trail, stop at a firepit and make some s’mores or relax while sipping on an age-appropriate beverage. Reserve your Winter Wander tickets here.

When planning your visit, consider booking an overnight stay and request a balcony room overlooking the light show. Overnight guests receive unlimited access to Winter Wander without being restricted to a particular ticket time along with an exclusive Winter Wander keepsake.

The 2024 Winter Wander Trail of Lights promises to be the most magical experience yet, with new attractions and dazzling displays that are sure to delight visitors. Here’s a preview of what’s new this year:

Fireworks and Drone Light Show

Select nights will feature breathtaking fireworks and a captivating drone light show, lighting up the sky over Heritage Lake.

Winged Dancers & Live Music

Fairytale-inspired illuminated dancers and live music performances will entertain visitors in the Enchantment District’s heated tent.

Heron’s Nest

A new display pays tribute to the majestic heron, featuring a stunning illuminated bird with a 14-foot wingspan, accompanied by a frog, lily pad, and lotus flower.

Enhanced Lighting & Snow Machines

Serenity Way and Starry Night Sky now feature additional lights and four new snow machines, enhancing the winter ambiance.

With so many enchanting additions, Winter Wander 2024 is a must-see holiday tradition, perfect for families and friends to enjoy the magic of the season.

The Welcome Tree

Begin your Winter Wander experience by walking through the 35-foot, illuminated holiday tree, the Welcome Tree, and enter into a world of wonder.

Dogwood Alley

Dogwood Alley pays respect to the American Dogwood, Virginia’s state flower, and tree.

Trout House

A historic building where people would net a fish for their own dinner before bringing it to the resort’s restaurant, Trout House is a brightly illuminated feature along the path.

Firefly Grove

Large-scale fireflies are surrounded by pins of light that appear to float over the grass at Firefly Grove, bringing a sense of childhood wonder to your wander.

Big Boar Ridge

As you trek farther down the trail you will come across a large mamma and papa boar looking for their piglets at Big Boar Ridge.

Serenity Way

Follow the illuminations to Serenity Way, where trees are bathed in colorful lights creating a picturesque scene!

Lattice Lane

Be sure to stop and admire the 100-foot tree at Lattice Lane, covered from root to treetop in a sprawling, colorful glow.

Sun Kissed Meadow

Grab your camera and stop at this designated photo spot to take immersive photos in front of the field of glowing plants.

Starry Night Sky

Gaze up at the twinkling lights dripping down from the tree canopy and immerse yourself in this art-inspired section of the trail.

Flower Garden

Marking the middle of the trail, the Flower Garden features jumbo flowers that illuminate your path.

Fountain of Dreams

Marvel at this display that mimics fountains of water shooting toward the sky with tons of light and motion.

Light Tunnels and Finale Field

Following the path, wander into massive tunnels. Pause here for photos filled with colorful lights- perfect for selfies or family shots. The tunnels take you to the trail’s breathtaking final destination, a field filled with color-changing lights.

Santa’s Mill

Located inside the market, Santa’s Mill is where visitors can get a photo with Santa nightly until 9 p.m. from Nov 22 - Dec 24.

The Market

Gather for family-friendly beverages, explore vendor booths, enjoy seasonal bites, and relax around the outdoor fire pit on the patio just outside of Hearth Lounge.

The Mill Room

The Mill Room is a AAA, 4-diamond restaurant at Boar’s Head Resort. Book a reservation and enjoy a delicious and elegant dinner before or after meandering through the light displays.

Make sure you don't miss out on the fun – reserve your tickets today!

*This blog post is sponsored by Boar's Head Resort